The Temple Run in Bangkok

The temples in Bangkok are well known for their splendid architecture and grandeur. These temples maybe one of the most crowded places in Bangkok but they are always a must visit. The carvings and the massive pillars are a sight to behold. I may not have visited all the 400+ temples in Bangkok, but I did get the chance to visit the main ones.

This was my first stop. After a security check up, get your entrance pass for 500Baht and enter the complex. There are audio guides available near the entrance or you can also hire a local guide. But there is nothing you can not find on the internet. You need to visit this place to see The Emerald Buddha, a dark green statue which is highly revered in Thailand. I tried to get a good photo of the statue but I was struggling to keep my phone steady to get the shot with so many people running around me. This statue does have an Indian connection; as per the local legend, the statue originated in India and was considered to bring prosperity to whichever country that houses this statue. Contrary to what the name says the statue is not made of Emerald, it is cut out of Jade. The surroundings of the temple are pretty clean, thanks to it being a major tourist attraction. But with the crowd pushing in, it is quite difficult to stay there for long.

Also the majestic Grand Palace falls in the same complex. You may not be able to get closer to the palace as there were barricades all over the place. Probably because of the mourning for their King’s demise. But you can see from far that it is indeed an architectural marvel with intricate carvings adorning its walls.

To visit this temple, which is also known as The Temple of Dawn, you have to cross the Chao Praya river from the Grand Palace end and get to the other side. Entry Fee to this temple is 40Baht. Before my visit, I had seen photos which were taken from the top of the temple. The view looked really amazing in those photos. But unlucky me, the temple was under construction during my visit and no one was allowed to climb the steps to the top. So I had to click some pics from the base.

Again we have an Indian connection here. This temple was built after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn. This temple is partly made up of colorfully decorated spires and stands majestically over the bank of Chao Praya river. The place looks at its best during sunset when it creates the perfect silhouette against the orange skyline.

Once I was done with Wat Arun, I searched in Google Maps to find the location for The Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It seems I had passed it on my way to Wat Arun. It was on the other side of the river near the Grand Palace. So I had to cross the river again. Well you know what this temple is famous for – The giant Buddha statue which is the most chilled out statue I have ever seen. This massive statue is 12m in hieght and 46m in length. The feet of the statue is also decorated with many gemstones. This temple is also considered as the birthplace of the traditional Thai massage which is still practiced there. The entry here is free, unlike the other 2 temples I visited.

Make sure you follow the dress code for entering temples; shoulders and knees covered. Or else you will be denied entry.

Well that is all about my Temple Run. I am not really a big fan of tourist spots but these temples are like a one-time visit if you are in Bangkok for the first time. You probably will not visit them on your next trip here. I was also curious to know what the word ‘Wat’ means. This word means a Buddhist temple or monastery, and the word originates from the Sanskrit word ‘Vata’, which is one of the many Indian languages. Good to see Thailand has so many connections with India.

The temples of Bangkok touch you with their sheer magnificence. We loved the temples and the best one was, of course, the reclining Buddha. The Buddha statue here is massive. Bangkok is really a heady combination of spirituality and adventure.

We cant wait to visit some Asian temples we love the design and history associated with such places. Asia has so far eluded us on our travels but its is certainly happening soon. It sometimes seems like we are the only Australian never to have been to Thailand

Living in Bangkok I can agree with most comments on here, the temples are beautiful and in excellent conditions.
If you are interested in Indian temples there is an actual Indian Temple in Silom called Sri Mahra Mariammam. It’s amazing.

I reccomend everyone to take a trip to the ancient capital of Thailand.. Ayuthaya. Here you can see old temple ruins. Also very beautiful!

Nice tips about the entrance costs and how to get to the temples. Wonder why they call it the Emerald Buddha when it’s made out of Jade? I like how you added your IG photos into your blog post. Interesting to learn that India had such a strong influence on Thailand.

I love exploring the temples of Bangkok – they’re all so intricate and detailed. I could spend hours wandering the grounds and photographing them. I find too, that even though they are some of the busiest places, there is a sense of peace within them that is so calming.

Oh Bangkok, we loved it there! The temples are just amazing and looks like you really enjoyed them! I was expecting more from the green buddha – how about you? I thought it would be bigger i guess. But the whole place is incredible! Super list of temples!

When in BKK I missed the Wat Arun but from your picture I think it is wise to wait a little bit more to go back to BKK. Is not possible to visit anything of the grand palace now? When I was there I could only see a couple of gardens and temples inside because the king was sick . . . How long the mourning will last?

The mourning is for an year. The path to the palace is blocked as of now. The pic you see in my post is the closest you can get to the palace. About Wat Arun, I am not sure when the construction will end. It is a not worth if you can’t climb upto the top.

Yes, Thailand has a whole slew of temples. Thanks for bringing back great memories. I remember visiting the reclining buddha and having a hard time getting the whole thing plus myself in the shot. But love the unique charm of these iconic temples.

Bangkok has been on my to go to list for some time now. In fact all of Asia has been on my to go to list. These Asian temples look fantastic and to think there are 400. Wow. Great post lots of great information.

The capital city is not short in numbers when it comes to these gorgeous temples. Loved visiting them for their grandeur and serenity. Your post brought me back some memories of my own temple run here.

I’ve heard so much about the temples of Bangkok! Obviously the grand palace being one of the main ones – you could almost make an entire buckelist just for Temples here, it’s probably impossible to see them all unless you dedicate a whole year! You got to some beautiful ones 🙂

Cool photos, I also visited those temples – they are amazing but I’m wondering how you traveled between them. Almost every time we took a tuk-tuk, we were tricked and driven somewhere else, not to the temples we asked to reach. After all this, I just couldn’t enjoy those temples, I was fed up and just wished I was back home – Thailand was the first ever country I felt this way (and I visited over 50 including countries like Turkmenistan, Liban, Ukraine, etc…)

I am in love with Thailand but not Bangkok for sure. I have been to whole this list of temples and they are really beautiful and a real marvel of architecture. But personally, I too feel that they have made religion and God too commercial.

There is really a crazy amount of temples there and all so beautiful. Luckily, I have seen the golden Buddha myself. It is a pity that the temples are often so overcrowded. I did not know there’s so much Indian background there.

I love visiting temples in Thailand, there’s such a mighty and calming feeling about it… beside their beauty of course! I’ve never been to Bangkok though, so I’ll keep this post in mind for my next visit 🙂

I’ve actually wanted to know what Wat means for a really long time now, but have been too lazy to search myself! Thanks for clearing that up to me 😀 I had no idea there’s seemingly so much Indian connection in some of the temples – super interesting! Admittedly Thailand isn’t very high up on my list of places to visit, but I’m sure I’ll get there one day so will be certain to check these temples out!

There really are so many temples to see in Bangkok and each is so unique. This is a great round up of the better known temples. Great that you have gone beyond the Grand Palace to some of the quieter ones which I found to be peaceful and really beautiful too.

I agree with you. I’m not a big fan of touristy places either. But a visit to the reclining buddha was interesting. Next time I will surely visit the lesser known ones. Love your photo of Wat Phra Kaew. Which one was your favourite?